ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior will today (Tuesday) consider the Control of Narcotic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a key legislation aimed at tackling drug abuse in educational institutions by further amending the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997.
Introduced by PPP MP Sahar Kamran, the bill aims to prevent drug use in educational institutions, promote the rehabilitation of students, protect mental health and introduce a treatment-based approach instead of a punitive system.
Under the Bill, it is proposed to add new sections 53A, 53B and 53C to the Act. According to the proposed Section 53A, applicants seeking admission to a higher secondary or higher secondary education institution may voluntarily undergo non-invasive drug testing.
Drug testing will only be conducted by accredited medical facilities and strictly with the written, informed consent of the applicant.
The bill clearly states that a positive drug test result alone cannot constitute grounds for refusal of admission. In such cases, the candidate will receive a confidential medical evaluation and, with consent, may be referred to rehabilitation or recovery programs.
The government will be responsible for providing free counseling, rehabilitation and mental health services to these students.
Under the proposed Section 53B, it will be mandatory for every public and private educational institution to appoint at least one qualified faculty or staff member as a student advisor.
The student advisor will be responsible for educating students about the harms of drug use, addiction and mental health issues.
Educational institutions will also be required to establish confidential support mechanisms for students and, in collaboration with health institutions, offer mental health services on campus.
